The classic and the contemporary get a refreshing spin with the new menu at the Polo Club. Chef Ajit Raman and Hitesh Pant have created magic with simple, fresh ingredients that reflect the new look of the revamped cafe. Overlooking the lush gardens, the Polo Club has always hit the ambience jackpot. Now the menu will do it justice as well!

Polo Club has always been one of those bars that epitomized a classic-colonial look and feel. The semi-formal dining and lounge has seen many a Bangalorean spend a classy evening with friends, overlooking the stunning property that is The Oberoi, Bangalore. The dilemma for spaces like these are whether to retain the nostalgia or move ahead with the times. The team at Polo Club has cleverly worked out a way to draw in crowds that want the old and the crowds that want something new. Over a couple of cleverly crafted cocktails, we spent a fun evening unraveling the surprises.

The space has been opened out to give it a lighter feel while still retaining some of the old-world elements. Old timers will walk in here and still feel comfortable, but  my pick will always be the beautiful alfresco setting that let’s you enjoy the zen-like garden and lily pond. The redesigned menu jumps out at you with a fun and fresh orange rendition of a Stallion, reminding you that Polo Club now dons cool colours.

The cocktails were always a talking point here and the new ones don’t disappoint. The colorful concoctions have a magical ability to transport you to a happy beach bar but the show-stealers are the Barrel-aged Cocktails. A pre-mixed blend of Grey Goose Vodka is aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 21 days to give you an exquisite blend. We tried the Angel’s Share which gets you  Grey Goose vodka, Cointreau, Bombay Sapphire gin and sweet Vermouth in a potent but mellow drink. With the new menu in play you will also see some great health drinks like Gymnoblast – Soy milk, berries and bananas and Healthy Boost – Carrot, pineapple and turmeric.

The food menu keeps it exciting but not overwhelming. Reflecting the style of Chef Ajit himself, the dishes are no-fuss, fresh and comforting. Like the Artisanal Burrata that came with potato roesti, asparagus, mushrooms and truffle broth or the simple but effective spring combination of Tomatoes and whipped Feta – you know this place has its heart and tastebuds in the right place!

The menu has favorites and comfort food from across the world, so pinning it down to one cuisine is difficult. You will find a Polynesian Tuna Poke sitting side by side a Madurai Kheema Uttappam or a Cola Marinated southern style Fried Chicken. You will also find comfort food like Kebabs and Burgers, but Polo Club has dialed them up a notch. Think Chicken Cordon Bleu Burger with a juicy chicken ham patty stuffed with Gruyere cheese and crumb fried – pure indulgence. And that pretty much sums up the menu for me – a casual approach to luxury. The desserts take to the theme as well with Hickory Smoked Bitter Chocolate Cake and Churros with Dark Chocolate Sauce.

Choose to end your meal with a selection of coffees or teas or maybe one more of those delectable barrel aged cocktails. The idea is for you to come in, relax and just enjoy some good food and drink in a tranquil setting. To this aid, they even have a live band playing over the weekend. Reason enough? It sure is for me.

All Pictures Courtesy: The Oberoi

 

Polo Club

The Oberoi,

37-39, MG Road, Bangalore 560001

+91 25585858

Cost : INR 3000/++ for a meal for two with drinks

Valet Parking available.

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